Can end treating machine



Aug. 31, 1948. P. E. PEARSON ET AL 2,443,115

CAN END TREATING MACHINE 1O Sheets-Sheet ,1

Filed Aug. 5, 1942 19413- P. E. PEARSON ET AL 2,448,116

01m END TREATING MACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 5, 1942 m u Nmn \m. u

u Q n. R

I ji rawms w firramw 'va H H -lilll w mSN %N\ m w W u RN ft N mvmvN fi QQN L NWN \NN o %N m 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 Aug. 31, 1948. P. E. PEARSON ET AL CAN END TREA'TING MACHINE Filed Aug. 5, 1942 Aug. 31, 1948.

Filed Aug. 5, 1942 P. E.\ PEARSON CAN END TREATING MACHINE ET AL 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 Aug. 31, 1948- P. E. PEARSON ET AL CAN END TREATING MACHINE 10 Sheets- Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 5, 1942 %m. EQN QM QIIILJM [gig/V7096 Q 62 5.

v P. E. PEARSON ET AL CAN END TREATING MACHINE Aug. 31, 1948.

' Filed Aug. 5, 1942 /77- TOR/vs v6 Allg- 1948- P. E. FEARSON ET AL 2,448,116

cm END TREATING MACHINE 1o sheets-sheet 7 Filed Aug. 5, 1942 P. E. PEARSON ET AL 2,448,116

Aug. 31, 1948.

CAN END TREATING MACHINE i0 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Aug. 5, 1942 P. E. PEARSON ET AL QAN END TREATING MACHINE 10 sheet s sheet 9 Filed Aug. 5, 1942 Aug. 31,. 1948. P7 E. PEARSON ET AL. CAN END TREATING MACHINE Filed Aug. 5. 1942 lO Shg ets-Shee t 1o Rh W wwm .mRK o xi-ail .QWN

Patented Aug. 31, 1948 UNITED sr-Arss PATENT op ics Paul E. Pearson and Alfred Trefl, Chicago, Ill., assignors to Continental Can Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of NewYork Application August 5, 1942, Serial No. 453,703

17 Claims. (Cl. 2(l4200) The invention relates generally to apparatus in which articles to be treated are immersed in an electrolytesuitable to the treatment intended and an electric current is passed through the articles and the bath'in effecting said treatment, and it primarily seeks to provide. a novel machine structure. adapted for so treating can end clo- 3 It is well known that inthe packaging of certain foodstuffs in metallic receptacles, unsightly and objectionable stainin of interior surfaces of the receptacles results during the conventional processing of the filled and sealed receptacles, thisv objectionable condition being termed sulphur-staining. It'has also been discovered that by immersing the receptacles or parts thereof, prior to use, in an electrolyte treating bath comprising a solution of a metallic salt and alkali in water, and passing an electric current through said bath with the receptacles or parts connected as cathode in the circuit, said receptacles or parts can be conditioned so that the objectionable, unsightly sulphur-staining will not occur when the receptacles are filled and later subiectedto the usual processing. Therefore, the present invention seeks to provide a novel machine structure peculiarly adapted for the treatment of the end closures of such receptacles, particularly the surface portions thereof to be presented internally. The specific composition of the electrolyte bath' forms no part of the'present invention, and it should also be stated that while the machine is intended for treatments looking toward elimination of sulphur staining, as aforesaid, it is also adaptable to other uses, such as electroplating or surface cleaning. f

In its more detailed nature the invention're sides in providing a machine ofthe character stated wherein is provided a turret and means for rotating it, a plurality of can end holding chucks on the turret, means for applying can ends individually to the chucks, an electrolyte treating bath, means for immersingthe chucks and the can ends thereon in said bath 'means for passing current voltage through said immersed ends and bath to treat said ends, said ends being connected as cathode in the current circuit, and means for discharging .the treated ends. g

'Another object of the invention, is to provide a 'machine of the character stated including means for water and steam treating the treated ends to removefrom them all clinging electro lyte droplets. Another object of the invention is to pro- 2 vide a machine of the character stated including means for heat drying the'treated ends, and novel means for conveying said ends through the water and steam treating means and through said heat drying means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character'stated in which the end conveying means includes spaced rotary conveyor thread shafts, means for imparting rotation thereto, and means for mounting said shafts in a manner for permitting adjustment of the spaced relation of theshafts without disturbing said driving means. f 7

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character stated in which the ends being treated are held'on the chucks magnetically, in which an arcuately shaped container for the electrolyte bath is included, and in which is provided cam'means for lowering the chucks into the bath, for holding them for a'suitable treating interval in the bath, and then for lifting them out, of said bath inposition' for being discharged from the chucks.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a machine of the character stated, novel means for stopping the machine should the treating circuit be open for any reason, such as a broken wire or contact, or low solution level below the chucks. I

Another object of the invention is to provide in a machinecombination of the character stated, means for generating direct current for the treating circuit, means for circulating the electrolyte through the bath container and through a conditioning means, and novel control means for permitting operation of the machine structure only when the current generating means and the electrolyte circulating means are in operation.

.. With the above and other objects in view which will more fully appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by following .th'e description, the appended claims, and

the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure -1 is a plan view of the machine, the drier structure being broken away.

Figure 2 is a vertical cross section taken on the line 22 on Figure 1. Figure 3 is a front'elevation, parts being broken away and in section.

Figure 4 is a right hand elevation. Figure 51's an enlarged fragmentary plan view illustrating the end feeding unit, the transfer 3 turret and an adjacent portion of the main turret structure.

Figure 6 is a vertical cross section taken on the line 6-6 on Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a vertical cross section taken on the line on Figure 6. I

Figure 8 "is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on-the line 88 on Figure 2.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary vertical cross section taken on the line 9-9 on Figure 8.

Figure 9a is a fragmentary vertical cross section illustrating one of the chucks and the engagement of the associated contact enlarge ment therewith. t

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation and part longitudinal section at the receiving end of the drier structure, the receiving portions of the feeder screws and thedelivery portions of the end conveying means being illustrated.

Figurell i's'a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the line on Figure 10.

Figure '12 is an enlarged detail sectional view of one of the chucks at the end stripping position. Fi'gu're 13 is a development of the chuck position determining cam.

'Figiire 1 41's a diagrammatic view illustratin how the circulation of 'the treating-bath or elec- 'trolyte through the treating tank is effected.

Figure 15'is a wiring diagram illustrating how the variousmotor's and co'nti oldevic'es are connected in the control circuit, and 'also how the collector ring, the derectoasnd the anode and oh trieuirectcurrem'supply.

The machine herein disclosed as anexa'mple of embodiment of the invention includes a can end feeder un'it generally designated A, "and a transfer turret generally designated'B' into" thepock'ets of which the"canends are fed fro'r'n'the unit A and by whichthey aretransferredto the receiving chucks of thefinain turret "structui'jeof the safe connect'ed'with the control circuit and tieatiiig'iinit generallydesignatedC. Afterbeing 't'reated in the unit C, thec an'ends aredelivered by a'feed but Iirieans' generallvdesignated D into positidnfor being received in and: passed through a washer unit generally designated wherein the ean ends are sprayed with water an'd also steain n'at'ed H by whichthey are delivered'fromthe machine. See FiguresL'B and4.

'Inits more'detaiIed nature, the machinein- "cludes a base*5 having supporting standards '6 projecting upwardly from one end thereof into position for supporting an end of the drierunit G and the delivery chute H. Frame standards I also are-provided at the other end of thebase and serve to support the can endfeederscrews and drive connections ;therefor, the conveying means F, and also the other endof the drier unit v G, suitable bracket extensions: 8 being provided fer thus supporting the drier unit.

The base includes a lateral exteiisi6n"9 which serves as a support for the treating'unitbase structure lawn reo'n 'is'iigidly sup orted a 1101- 16W column"! I j the latter -iiei'ii'g flange-secured; "as

4 at l2, on said base structure. See Figures 1 and 2.

A control cam I3 is fixed to the upper end of the column H and a turret rotor I4 is rotatable about said column on upper and lower bearings l5 and I6. A spur gear H is flange-secured, as at Hi, to the rotor l4, and a turret plate I9 is flangesecured, as at 20, to said rotor in the manner best illustrated in Figure 2. e

A plurality of guide and bearing units 2| are flange-secured, as at 22, on the turret plate l9, and eachof these units is equipped with upper and lower bearings 23 and a vertical guide groove 24. In this particular illustration, sixteen of the units 2| are mounted in equidistantly spaced relationabout'the turret plate I9, but it is to be understood that a greater or lesser number may beprovided if desired. A top plate 25 is secured to the upper ends of the units 2| in parallel spaced relation above the main turret plate l9.

A sleeve '26 is vertically reciprocable in the bearings 23 of each unit 2|, and a mounting sleeve 2'1 is threadably secured to the lower end of each sleeve 26 and serves to removably clamp thereon 'adrip or dust collar plate 28. Each sleeve 21 is recessed to receive a contact enlargement 29 formed on the lower end of a contact element 30 which extends vertically through and above the respective sleeve 26 in the manner clearly illustrated in Figure 2. It'will be observed by reference to Figure 12 of the drawings that each contact enlargement engages and makes electrical contact with the respective chuck 3|.

A chuck 3| is threadably attached to the lower end of each sleeve 21 and each chuck includes a recess in which i mounteda permanent magnet 32, anditwill' be observed by reference to Figures 9a and 12 of the drawings that each magnet 32 engages with'the respective chuck and extends slightly'below the bottom face of the chuck. It will also be observed that the chucks conform generally to'the'shape of the can ends which are whetarriea thereon and immersed thereby in the treating bath, and by'this means only the under surface, or, in other words, that surface of the can end'which is to'be presented interiorly in the completed receptacle, is exposed for treatment. The "can ends are designated CE. By reason of'the provision of the chucks 3| and magnets 32 the can ends are individually held on the i'espective"carriers in predetermined orientation with respect thereto. That is to say, they are held n d fi t position and under completecontrol while they are being treated, as distinguished frombeingtu-mbled about in a manner likely to damage the edge portions thereof and make it difficult if riot impossible to form ane'ificient sealing seam during theattachmentof the end closures on the tans being -sealed thereby.

The stationarily mounted cam I3 is equipped with a peripheral control groove generally'designated 33 and disposed within the'circle of units 2I"'and opposed to the vertical guide grooves 24 therein. This cam structure is clearly illustrated inFigure'Z 'of'thedrawings, and a, development of "the peripheral cam groove is illustrated'in .l igure'l3 It will be observed byjreference to Figure 13 that the control groove includes a, high dwell portion "$4, a slight lowering portion 35 followed by a dwell portion 36, said dwellvportion S'Fbji'rig'in turn followed by a sharp lowering portio-n's'l nierging into a low dwell po'rtion'38 which leads 'to'a' sharp "rise portion 39 followed by a dwell portion and then a slightlift portion 4| which merges into the previously mentioned high in for the required treating interval.

tion of'the tank is best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. Brackets 48 are secured move the chucks downwardly toimmerse them in. the treating bath, the sharp :rise 39. serves to lift the chucks out'of thebath, and the dwell and lift portions 48, 4| serve to feed the can end edges into a receiving grooveway later to-bedescribed and then to slightly lift the chucks so as to strip the treated can ends from the chucks. v

In'order to cause the chucks 3| and the carrying sleeves 26, 2'Ito be. raised and lowered under the control of the cam groove just above. described, each sleeve 26 has a yoke 42 securely clamped thereon opposite said cam groove. A cross pin 43 is mounted in each yoke and carries a roller 44 at each end thereof, one said roller being engaged in the cam groove 33 and the other in the respective vertical guide groove.

A plurality of'supporting pedestals 45 are mounted on the base-structure I8 and serveito support an arcuately'shaped tank 48 wherein is contained the electrolyte treating bath 41. This bath is maintained at a level approximately one inch from the top of the tank, -or high enough to assure that each chuck will be immersed there- The posiin spaced relation about the upper inner edge of the tank structure and serve to support rods 49 which depend in the treating bath in the manner clearly illustrated in Figure 2 and serve as supports for a plurality of brackets 58- whereon is mounted an arcuately shaped anode plate 5|.

The anode plate is='connected, as at 52; in the electrical treatingcircuit means diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 15 andis disposed in spaced relation directly beneath the ring of chucks inthe manner illustrated in said Figure 2. When the chucks are in'their fully lowered position they are disposed approximately five inches above the anode plate. l a

- A collector ring 53 is secured to the upper surface of the cam- I3 in the manner best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, and this ring is split'as at 5454 to provide along dead section 55, and as at 56-56 to provide a short test 'section 51. A complete circuit detector 58 is mounted, as at 59, on the cam I3 and includes therein a circuit making and breakingrelay, the coil of which'is connected by a lead 68 to-the test section 51 and by a lead 6| to the live section of said ring, said leads .88 and GI and the coil of the relay forming a holding circuit in a manner and for a purpose that will later become apparent. The relay circuit controlling contacts are connected in the control circuit by leads 82, and the control circuit including the live sections of the collector ring are connected'in this circuit, as at 63, theconnections 62 and 63 passing-through suitable conduits 64 and'65 respectively extending through thezhollow turret supporting column II in the manner clearly illustrated in Figure2. See Figures2and15.

Each of the contact elements 38 is flexibly connected, as at 86, to aspring pressed contact block 61 .which slides over the collector ring 53 and is mounted in a suitable mounting block '58 secured upon the top plate 25, thus electrically connecting the individual chucks in the control circuit.

All of the electrical connections'and the mechanical elements on the main turret structure are protected within ahood 69 which is removably supported, as .at I8, on the main turret plate I9, and the individual plates 28 addtiohall'yfunc tion-to collect oil drip or foreign particles-which might otherwise contaminate the treating bath 41. 1

Attention is now directed to Figures 1, 3 and 5 to 7 of the drawings from which it will be observed that a frame column II is rigidly secured, as at I2, upon the base structure I8. This column is provided with a vertical bearing I3 which rotatably supports a shaft 14 having a spur gear 15 fixed to'its lower end in position for meshing with-and being driven by the turret gear II. A supporting plate I6 is secured, as at H, at the u per. end of the column II, and just above this plate. atransfer turret I8 is secured on the shaft I4 for rotation therewith. The turret I8 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced feeder fingers or arm 19 which provide can end receiving pockets 88, and each arm has its upper trailing edge portion provided with a clearance 8| which serves to facilitate entrance of the can ends into said pockets. As the can ends are individually dropped into the pockets they may engage portions of the clearance-s 8| and gradually float into proper position in the transfer turret pockets. While being moved about the transfer turret the can ends are suitably confined by a confiningrail 82, and this rail includes a short yieldable section 83 which serves to facilitate ultimate settling of the individual can ends into the turret pockets 80. I

A frame extension 84 is flange-secured, as at 85, to the column II and is equipped witha bear- I5. See Figure 6. The extension 84 also includes a bearing 89 for a shaft 98 having a spur pinion 8| fixed to its lower end in position for havin rotation imparted thereto by the idler gear 88. The shaft 98 carries a bevel gear 92 at its upper end which serves to impart rotation to an idler bevel gear 83 mounted on a cross shaft 94-which is rockably supported in frame arms 95 in the manner bestillustrated in Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings. The shaft 94 extends beyond the arms 95 and is secured in a pair of arms 96 which depend from the can end feeder unit mounting base S'Iupon whichthe feeder casing generally designated 98 is removably secured as at 99.

By reason of the provision of the cross shaft 94. and the particularmounting thereof in the arms 95 and 96, the base plate 91 and the whole can end feeder unit supported thereon can be swung upwardly about the axis of the shaft 94 so asto displace the feeder unit from the operative position thereof over the transfer turret I8 as illustrated in Figure 6.

well I83 through which the can ends are fed, said ends being stacked within the well between upstanding pins or columns I84. The stack of can ends rests upon a plurality of feeder screw disks I secured to the lower ends of feeder shafts I86 which are rotatably supported in casing bearings I81 and include spur gear portions I88. A ring gear I88 meshes with and imparts rotation to all of the spur gear portions I88, and it will be observed by referenceto Figure 6 of the drawings '.that thi ring gear partially defines the well I83.

transfer turret.

casing-and is driven by a gear sleeve II-2 which is freely rotatable about the shaft IUI but which is driven by said shaft through the overload release head generally designated H3, a portion of the head being keyed to the shaft and another portion thereofbeing keyed to the gear sleeve in the well known manner.

An extension bracket H4 is secured to the feeder casing in the manner clearly illustrated in Figure 6 and overlies the central portion of the This extension includes a depending annular flange portion H which projects into the annular roove IIB formed in the upper surfaces of the turret arms.

It will be observed by reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings that a bearing frame structure generally designated I I1 is secured, as at 'I I8, on the base 5. This frame structure includes a table portion H9 whe-reon is secured a horizontally disposed, arcuate, treated can end supporting and guiding track I26, the-entrance portion I2I at least of which is undercut, as at I22, for receiving edge portions of the can end as they are carried onto the track by the supporting chucks. See Figures 2 and 12. This entrance portion of the track is disposed opposite the dwell portion 40 in the control groove 33 of the cam I3 so that the can ends will be properly delivered into the undercut portions at said entrance. It will, therefore, be obvious that as the slight lift portion M of the cam groove next effects a slight lifting of the chucks, the treated can ends magnetically attracted thereto will be stripped from a the chucks and-left resting upon the supporting and guiding track I 20.

The arcuate can end supporting and guiding trackway I26 merges into two arcuate guide rails I23 which are supported, as at I24, on the frame structure I I1, and it will be observed by reference to Figure 3 of the drawings that these guide rails turn downwardly through approximately 90 so as to alter the position of the can ends fed thereover from the horizontal to the vertical.

The frame structure H1 is equipped with aligned vertical bearings I25 in which is supported a rotary shaft I26, said shaft havinga bevel gear I21 fixed thereon adjacent its lower end to which rotation is imparted by a bevel pinion 128. See Figures 2 and 8. The pinion I28 is mounted on a drive shaft I29 which is rotatable in bearings i363- in a drive housing 1I3I which is secured, as at I32, to the frame structure I H. A

worm wheel I33 is loosely mounted on the shaft I29 within the housing I3I and serves to drive said shaft through an overload release head I34 which is keyed, as at I35, to the shaft. The overload release headincludes a longitudinallyshiftable ring I36 which is longitudinally shifted whenever a jam occurs, which shifting is effective to break the driving relation between the head and the worm wheel I33. The longitudinal movement of the ring I36 also serves to impart longitudinal movement to a spring-pressed pin I31 which is effective to actuate a cutout switch H8 and thus break the machine motor driving circuit and discontinue operation of the machine.

A driver worm gear I39 imparts rotation to =the worm wheel i753 and is mounted on a driver handwheel I43. Themachinemaybe turned over manually by manipulation of the handwheel.

but it is normally drivenby a transmission belt I44 from the driver pulley I45 mounted on the shaft of the machine motor I46. It will be observed by reference to Figures 1 .and 3 of the drawings that the motor I36 is supported on the base 5.

-It will be observed by reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings that the frame structure I I1 also is equipped with a horizontal bearing I41 wherein a driver shaft I48 is .rotatably mounted. The shaft I48 is equipped with a b-evel'gear I49 to which rotation is imparted by a bevel gear .1250fixed upon the previously mentioned shaft I26. At its outer end the shaft I48 carries, a timer disk I5I to the peripheryof which is adjustably secured a ring I52 having timer fingers I53 projecting therefrom, radially and in equidistantly spaced relation.

The timer fingers I53 cooperate with feeder pins I54 which depend vertically and in equidistantly spaced relation from a feeder disk I which is adjustably secured to-the upper endof the shaft I26. The shaft I26 is also equipped-with a spur gear I56 which meshes with and drives themain turret gear IT. The pins I54 of the disk I55serveto move the treated can'ends over the horizontal trackway I20 and-to feed them onto the arcuate, downwardly turned rails I23. As, the can ends are fed over the rails I23 they fall away from the pins I54 and engage behind and have their fall timed and controlled by the timer fingers I53.

Supported, asat I5], on the frame structure H1, and, as at I58, on sub-framing mounted on the base 5, is the washer unit hereinbefore generally designated E. This unit includes acasing I59 which is divided by a partition I60 into awater spray cleaning compartment I6I and a steam jet cleaning compartment I62. A water spray IE3 is provided in thecompartment IBI, and a series of steam jets, I 64 areprov-ided in the, compartment I62, water for the pray being supplied through the valve controlled pipe line I65, and

steam-for the jets being supplied through the valve controlled supply pipe I66. Suitable ,draim ing equipment may be provided as indicated at 61.

In order to support and feed the can ends through the washer unit there is provided a support rail I68 extending lengthwise through the unit in the manner clearly illustrated in Figure '3. Two feeder shafts I69 are disposed in laterally spaced relation and centered over the rail I68, and

.each shaft is equipped with a spirally grooved exterior III], a quick pitch groove portion I'll beills provided at the receiving ends of the screws where the treated can ends are received on the rail and between theshafts- I69. frornthe downwardly turned guide rails I23. It will be obvious that as the shafts I69 are rotated, theproperly positioned spiral grooving" on the shafts in which lateral edge portions of thetreated can ends are received will serve tomove said ends longitudinal.- ly over the rail I68, and while the ends. are moving. along through the unit. E all surplus oftreat- -as:at..'I-'l6:,to.:.the frame. structure Ill. Theupper ends of the arms I13 are arcuately slotted and are adjustably secured, as at I18, to the bracket I15. It will be obvious that by varying the spaced relation of the upper ends of thearms I13, the spaced relation of the shafts [69 can be altered so as to receive'therebetween canends of different diameters. Suitable arcuate clearances are provided in the bracket I15 and in the ends of the washer unit casing'I59 to'permit this variation of the spacing ofthe shafts.

At their delivery ends the shafts I69 are mounted in bearings I19 in individual arms I80 which are swingablymounted at their lower ends on a common huh I M projecting from the standard structure 1 in the manner illustrated in Figure 3. Like the arms I13 the arms I80 are arcuately slotted, as at I82, at their upper ends and are adjustably secured, as at I83, to the frame standard structure 1. A stud shaft I84 is fixed in the hub I8I and has an idler gear I85 rotatably mounted thereon. The gear I85 meshes with driver pinions I86 mounted on the shafts I69 for imparting rotation to said shafts, and the idler gear I85 is in turn driven by an idler gear I81 which is rotatable about a stud shaft I88 fixed to the frame structure 1. The idler gear I 81 is driven by a spur gear I89'mounted on a shaft I90 which is coupled, as at I9I, with the before-mentioned shaft I29 and is rotatable in frame bearings I92. The idler gear I85 has a driver sprocket I93 afiixed thereto, and this sprocket performs a movement transmitting function-later to be described.

The "drier unit G includes an elongated casing I94 which is supported, as at I95, at its receiving end on the brackets Band is secured at its delivery end to a mounting plate I96 which is supported upon the standards 6. A heater unit I91 having therein a heating means of any approved form (not shown) is supported, as at I98, upon the casing I94. The heating unit receives air from the casing I94 through a duct I99 and delivers heated air into the center intake of an air circulating pump 20!! which in turn delivers the heated air through a duct 20I into the delivery end of the casing I94. By thus arranging the ducts I99 and 2M, the heated air supplied to the drier casing I94 is caused to travel in a direction opposite that in which the can ends are fed through the drier unit. The pump 200 is supported on a table 202 which is mounted on the casing I94, and the table also supports a motor 203 which serves to drive the pump through a pulley and belt couple 204.

As in the case of the washer unit, the can ends are fed-through the drier unit by feeder screw shafts. A can end supporting rail 205 is'disposed longitudinally in the lower portion of the casing I94 and above it and in centered relation thereto are mounted two laterally spaced feeder shafts 296 each provided with a spirally grooved external surface. 'The feeder grooving is equipped with a quick pitch portion 208 at the receiving ends of the screws, and at the delivery ends the screw shafts are mounted in bearings in arms 209 which are swingably mounted at their lower ends on a common pivot bolt 2I0 secured to the plate I96. At their upper ends 2 the arms are arcuately slotted and are adjustably secured, as at 2I2, to the plate I96. The adjustable mounting of the arms 299 permits variation in the spaced relation of the feeder screws in the manner hereinbefore described. See Figure 3.

At their receiving ends the feeder shafts 206 are mounted in bearings 2I3 in individual arms 2I4 which areswingably mounted at their lower ends ona common hub 2I5 projecting from the frame structure 1.- The upper ends of the arms are arcuately slotted, as at 2I6, and are adjustably secured, as at 2I1, to said frame structure. A stud shaft'2l8 is fixed in the hub 2I5 and rotatably supports an idler gear 2I9 which mesheswith and imparts rotation to driver pinions 220 mounted on' the ends of the respective feeder shafts 206. The idler gear 2I9 is equipped with a sprocket 22I to which rotation is imparted from the previously mentioned sprocket I93 through the medium of a driver chain 222, said chain passing overan adjustably mounted tightener sprocket 223 in the manner best illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings.

The can end elevating equipment hereinbefore generally designated F includes a pair of upper and lower crossshafts 224 mounted in bearings 225 provided in the frame structure I. A sprocket 226. is mounted on each of the shafts, and a con veyor chain 221 passes over these sprockets-and over an adjustably mounted tightener sprocket, 228 and is equipped with pivotally mounted can end carrier lugs 229'. -It will be observed by reference to Figure 10 that the carrier lugs areequipped with clearances 230 which permitthem to swing inwardly about theirpivotal mountings so as to be displaced from their normal operative or can end elevating positions. The effective flight "of the chain 221 travels upwardly and is: uided by a rail 23l having a lug projecting ex'-= tremity 232 at its lower end and a lug freeing extremity 233 at its upper end. The effective flight of the chain is flanked by grooved can end edge guides 234 for holding the can ends in upright position while they are being elevated. by the chain, and these guides and the rail 231 are supported, as at 235, on the frame structure 1. A. sprocket 236 is mounted on the upper shaft 224, and rotation is imparted thereto by a chain'231 which passes over a sprocket 238 fixed on across shaft 239 rotatable in a bearing 240 secured to the frame structure 1 and driven by a bevel couple 24I with the upper gear and sprocket equip-1 ment2l9and22l. v

An actuator cam 242 is mounted on and rotatable, with the upper cross shaft 224 and is equipped with four equidistantly .spacedhumps 243 which are engageable with a roller 244 projecting laterally from a vertically reciprocable thrust member 245. See Figures 10 and 11. The thrust member is disposed with its forked upper end 246. straddling a block 241 on the upper cross shaft 224, and. spring means 248 constantly urges the member 245 upwardly so as to hold its roller againstthe peripheral surface of thecam 242. The bottom end of the member 245 is pivotally connected, at at 249, to one arm 25,0 of. a bell crank lever which is pivoted at 251 on the frame structure 1. lever is vertically disposed and is bifurcated at the top, as at 2 52,.to straddle the receiving end of the can end supporting rail 295. The bifurcate'd arm top 252 is provided with two extensions 253 which are engageable with the chain lugs 229 for the purpose of displacing them from their operative, can end elevating position. The parts are so proportioned and arranged that the lever extensions 253 are moved against each set of chain lugs 229 just as they bring a can end to the level of the upper extremity of the bi-- furcated portion 252 of the lever and in position for being received between and fed along by the screw shafts 206,, 201. This timed displacement of the chain lugs is permitted by termination of the uide rail 23I at 233, the rail previously The other arm of the bell crank having served to hold the lugs in the normal, can end elevating position, and serves to transfer each can end from the respective chain lugs 229 onto the upper end of the arm or lever portion 252, from whence they are fed by the screw shafts onto and along the rail 205. I

A yieldable resist'er finger 254 is disposed just above the screw shafts 206 in the path of travel of the can ends being elevated, said finger being pivoted, as at 255, to a bracket 256 which is secured to the adjacent end of the casing I94 and equipped with a bifurcated'eiitension 251 through which passes a pin 258 secured to the finger. A compression spring 259 is coiled about the pin betweflthe finger 254 and the extension 251 and yieldably holds the finger in the normal posinon illustrated in Figure 3. By reason of the provision of the yieldable' finger, the displacemerit of the chain lugs and the transfer of the can ends from the lugs onto the bifurcated end 252 of the bell crank lever and the transfer of the can ends from the elevating chain to the feeder screws 206 is facilitated, and non-yielding, damaging contact of the chain lugs with the can and edge portions is assured against.

The can end supporting rail 205 terminates within the drier casing I94, as at 260, and at this point the treated and dried can ends fall into thedelivery chute 26I by which they are delivered from the machine. See Figure 3.

Operation In the operation of the machine, can ends to be treated are delivered one-by-one from the feeder unit A, by operation of the screw disks I05, and are deposited into the receiving pockets 80 of the transfer turret B.

As each transfer turret pocket comes opposite the slight lowering portion 35 of the groove in theeam I3, one of the chucks 3| will be lowered slightly so that the magnet 32 thereof will pick up a can end. As each chuck moves over the receiving end of the treating bath containing tank 46, it will be lowered by the lowering portion 3'! of the cam groove so as to immerse the magnetically held can end in the treating bath 41. While each chuck unit contact block 67 is moving clockwise, as viewed in Figure '1, in contact with the collector ring 53 from thefirst ring split 54 around to the second ring split 54, a voltage will be established across each chuck upport d can end to the anode plate 5| and the desiredtreatnient of the under surfaces of the can ends will be effected. As previously stated, the detector 58 will serve to shut down the operation of the machine at any time when the treating circuit may be broken in the machine, as by the breakage of a COntIOI ci louifiwll'e, the failtire to maintain a proper level of treating fluid 41 in the tank 46, or for any other reason. In the machine herein illustrated, the speed or movement of the parts is controlled so as to provide a treatment of each can end in the bath for a period of approximately three seconds, but it is to beunderstood that this period may be varied tosuit the demands of different installations or different desired treatments.

At approximately the terminus of the tank 46, the chucks andthe treated can ends carried thereby are lifted by the lift portion 39 or the cam groove, and then the dwell portion 40 and the Slight lift portion 4| Of the call! groove serve first to feed the treated end edge portions into the supporting track undercuts I22, and then to lift the chucks slightly so as to strip the can rails I23, being timed in its fall by one of the timing fingers I53 so. as to be properly presented in position for being fed longitudinally through the washer unit by the feeder screws I69. While passing through the washer unit E, the treated can ends are first sprayed with :water and then by steam jets so as to completely cleanse the ends and assure that no treating solution or.

water drops remain thereon.

The feeder screws I69 deliver the can ends from the washer unit E in position for being picked up and elevated by the chain lugs 229 into position for being fed through the drier unit G by the feeder screws 206; When the can ends are elevated so as to be engaged by the feeder screws 20-6, proper engagement thereof with the feeder screws is assured by displacement of the chain lugs and the transfer of the can ends onto the upper extremity of the bell crank portion 252 and from thence onto the receiving end of the rail 205 under the yieldable finger 254 in the manner hereinbefore described.

While being fed through the drier unit G'on the supporting rail 205 and by the feeder screws 206', the can ends are subjected to a counter current of heated air and are thoroughly dried. At the discharge end of the feeder screws 206, the treated and dried can ends are delivered into the chute structure 26I by which they are delivered from the machine. 7

It is to be understood that the electrolyte or treating bath is constantly circulated through the treating tank 46; It is also important that this treating bath be maintained approximately at- 68 F. The manner in which this is accomplished is diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 14-. In this figure is illustrated a treating bath cooling and storing tank 262 in which the treating bath is maintained approximately at 68 F. by any approved cooling equipment. The tank 262 is connected through a flow line 263 with the treat ing tank 46, and this flow line includes control valve equipment 264 and has a motor driven 'c'irculating pump 265 connected therein; The cir culation of the treating [bath is completed through a return line 266 leading from the treat-' ing tank 46 to the cooling and storing tank 262. The return line 266 includes control valve equipment 261 and a check valve 268 and also has amotor driven circulating pump 269 connected therein;

In Figure 15 of the drawings, there is shown a wiring diagram illustrating how the various motors and control devices are connected in the eontrol circuit, and also how the collector ring 53, 51, the detector unit 58, and the anode 51 and chucks 3!, are connected with the control circuit and the direct current supply.

It will be apparent from the diagrammatic illustration in Figure 15 that current for the treatment of the can ends is supplied by a motorgenerator set shown at the lower left hand corner of the diagrammatic illustration. Should the treating circuit be broken for any reason, such as a broken wire or contact, or low solution level in the treating tank 46, this deficient circuit condition will be detected by the detector unit 58 hereinbefore described and which is shown diagrammatically in the upper right hand corner manner hereinbefore de 13 of Figure 15, andjthe detector will act to stop the machine.

It should be understood that the length of the test section 51 in the collector ring 53 is so related to the spacing ofth'e individual brushes or contact blocks 6] that one of said blocksalways is in contact with the ring section 51. It will be apparent by reference to the diagrammatic designation of the detector installation at the upper right hand portion of Figure 15 that thedetector unit 58 is so connected in the circuit that the path or treating current must go through the coil of this unit, and if that current is not sufiicient, the unit relay will act to open the contacts in the unit and thus break the control circuit'and cause the machine to stop.

The machine has a totalof four motors; one being a 15H. P. motor operating the motorg enerator set, two three-quarter H. P. centrifugal pump motors 265 and 269, and one machine motor I46. phase. 60 cycle, but the control circuit of the motor starters and push button units are operated from a 110 volt source secured from the control circuit transformer which reduces the voltage from 440 to 110 volts.

The operation of the motors is controlled from starters and a control relay which is located on the A. C. control panel and in turn controlled by start-stop push buttons and a selector switch. The motor starters include the usual overload relays, and the overload relays on all four motor starters are connected in series in the common control line sothat occurrence of any overload will automatically shut down the entire machine.

The control circuit is so arranged that the machine may be operated on an automatic cycle or on a manual or hand cycle, the latter ordinarily being used only for testing or initial set up purposes.

With theselector switch in theautomatic position, it is necessary: that the generator be operating before the pumps can operate. By means of an additional, normally open, interlocked contact on the motor generator starter, operation of the motor-generator starter causes pumps 265 and 269 to start. With the motor-generator operating, and the pumps operating, it is then possible to operate the machine motor I46, providing the test relayand the clutch overload limit switchcontrol circuits are closed, the. machine motor being started and stopped from its own start and stop bases. v e V Additional normally open interlocks on the two pump motor starters are in series with the machine motor control. and sointerlock it that the pumps 265 and 269 must be running, and the generator must be running, before it is possible to operate the machine motor. Failureof any of these three units will automatically stop the machine motor. 7 v For testing or initial setting up purposes, the selector switch may be turned from the Auto position to Hand. Operation of this selector switch causes control relay CR to operate. This control relay has three normally open and two normally closed contacts. In operating, the two normally closed contacts which were closed in the two pump motor starter-s, open. to keep the pumps 265 and 269 from starting when the motorgenerator is started up. This then allows starting of the pumps 265 and 269 by means of their own start and stop stations. These pump starters The motors'operate on 440' volt, 3

have their own holding circuit interlocks which provide three wire control on the pump motors.

One of the normally open contacts on thecontrol' relay CR provides a circuit from the master stop station to the control circuit of the pumps 265 and269 as well as the machine motor I46 so that even though the motor generator is not operating, it is possible to start any of these three units by their own operating start-stop stations on the control panel cover. Another of the normally open poles of relay CE is used to bridge the interlock circuits so that the machine motor I46 may be started irrespective of whether the pumps 265 and 269 are opertaing. The fifth and last control contact which is normally open on this control relay CR is used to energize two pilot lights, one of which is located in the control station at the operators point andthe other at the top of the buttonand a stop button for the control of the machine motor I46, and also an inch run selector switch so that the machine motor control may be set for inching purposes. In addition, a master start button is provided to enable'an operator to shut down the entire machine.

After the machine has been properly tested and a test run made to ascertain that the can ends are properly fed through the machine without having edges thereof dented or being otherwise mutilated, and tests have been made to assure that the treating solution temperature is approximately 68 F. and the drier oventemperature is approximately 325 F., the machine is ready to be placed in normal operation. This is accomplished by turning the selector switch marked Auto-Hand to Auto. The selector switch marked Inch-Run is then turned to Run. The motor-generator set is started at the A. C. control panel, and the D. C. control panel rheostat is adjusted so that the voltage is 45 and the switch is opened to direct the D. C. to the machine. The water and steam flow controlling valves'l65'and I66 are, of course, opened and the flow control valves264, 261 are controlled to maintain a level of the electrolyte bath in the tank 46 approximately one inch from the top of the tank. The starter button at the control station is then actuated and normal operation is thus initiated.

It is, of course, to be understood that the details of structure and arrangement of parts may be variously changed and modified without de-. parting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. In a machine of the character described, a can end treating bath, a traveling carrier having a'plurality of vertically reciprocatory individual can end carrier elements thereon, means for feeding can ends individually to said elements to be supported thereon, means for holding the can ends individually on the respective carrier. elements in predetermined orientation with respect thereto, means for lowering the elements to immer-se can ends thereon in the bath then hold them lowered throughout a treating interval and then lift them out of the bath, an electrode in the bath conforming in shape to the path of travel 15' of the elements in the bath, treating circuit. means for passing an electrical treating current through thebath and the electrode with each immersed can end connected in the circuit as a second electrode, and means for discharging the treated can ends from the carrier elements.

2. In a, machine of the character described, a can end treating bath, a traveling carrier having a plurality of vertically reciprocatory individual can end carrier elements thereon, means for feeding'can ends individually to said elements to be supported thereon, means for holding the can ends individually on the respective carrier elements in predetermined orientation with respect thereto, means for lowering the elements to immerse can ends thereon in the bath then hold them lowered throughout a treating interval and then lift them out of the bath, an electrode in the bath conforming in shape to the path of travelof the elements in the bath, treating circuit means for passing an electrical treating current through the bath and the electrode with each immersed can end connected in the circuit as a second electrode, means for washing treating bath fluid from the treated can ends, means for forwarding treated can ends from the treating bath to the washing means, means for drying the treated and washed can ends, means for forwarding the treated and washed can ends. from the Washing means tothe drying means, and means for discharging the treated washed and dried can ends from the machine.

3. In a machine of the character described, a can end treating bath, a traveling carrier having a plurality of vertically reciprocatory individual can end carrier elements thereon, means for feeding can end-s individually to said elements to be supported thereon, means for holding the can ends individually on the respective carrier elements in predetermined orientation with respect thereto, means for lowering the elements to immerse can ends thereon in the bath then hold them lowered throughout a treating interval and then lift them out of the bath, an electrode in the bath conforming in shape to the path of travel of the elements in the bath, treating circuit means for passing an electrical treating current through the bath and the electrode with each immersed can end connected in the circuit as a second electrode, means for directing water spray on the treated can ends for washing treating bath fluid therefrom, means for directing steam onto the washed can ends for removing droplets therefrom, means for forwarding treated can ends from said treating bath to said water spray directing means and thence to said steam directing means, means for drying the treated and washed can ends, means for forwarding treated and washed can ends from said steam directing means to said drying means, and. means for discharging the treated washed and dried can ends from the machine.

4. In a machine of the character described, a rotating turret having a plurality of vertically reciprocatory carrier elements disposed in equidistantly spaced relation about the circumference thereof, a can end supporting chuck mounted on the lower end of each carrier element, an arcuately shaped can end treating bath disposed beneath the traveling chucks, means for feeding can ends individually to said chucks, means for holding. can ends on said chucks, means for loweri-ng the carrier elements to immerse held can ends in the bath then hold them lowered throughout a treating interval and then lift them out of 16 the bath, a horizontally arcuate anode in the bath in spaced relation to chucks lowered and traveling therein and conforming in shape to the path of travel of the elements in the bath, treating circuit means for passing an electrical treating current through the bath and the anode with each immersed can end connected as cathode in the circuit, and means for discharging the treated can ends from the chucks.

5. A machine as defined in claim 1 in which the means for holding the can ends on the carrier elements includes means for magnetically attracting the can ends to said carrier elements.

6. A machine as defined in claim 4 in which the means for holding the can ends on the chucks comprises a permanent magnet mounted on each chuck.

'7. A machine as defined in claim 1 in which the means forholding the can ends on the carrier elements includes means for magnetically at-' tracting the can ends to said carrier elements, and in which the treated can end discharging means comprises means for engaging the magnetically attracted can ends above and below the edge portions thereof and stripping them from the carrier elements and maintaining control of said can ends in a manner for preventing free falling thereof.

8. In a machine of the character described, a rotating turret having a plurality of vertically reciprocatory carrier elements disposed in equidistantly spaced relation about the circumference thereof, a can end Supporting, chuck mounted on the lower end of each carrier element, an arcuately shaped can end treating bath disposed beneath the traveling chucks, means for feeding can ends individually to said chucks, means for holding can ends on said chucks, an actuator element projecting laterally from each carrier element, a stationary grooved cam engaged by all said actuator elements and efiective for lowering the carrier elements to immerse held can ends in the bath then hold them lowered throughout a treating interval and then lift them out of the bath, a horizontally arcuate anode in the bath in spaced relation to chucks lowered and traveling therein and conforming in shape to the path of travel of the elements in the bath, treating circuit means for passing an electrical treating current through the bath and the electrode with each immersed can end connected as cathode in the circuit, and means for discharging the treated can ends from the chucks.

9. A machine as defined in claim 8 in which the mean-s for holding the can ends on the chucks comprises means for magnetically attracting the can ends to the chucks, and in which the treated can end discharging means comprises stripping means placed to engage over portions of the can ends as they are being lifted on the chucks and strip them from said chucks.

10. A machine as defined in claim l in which said treating circuit means includes a stationary collector ring and individual contacts connected to the chucks andsl-idably engaging said ring.

11. A machine as defined in claim 8 in which said treating circuit means includes a stationary collector ring supported on said cam and indi-v vidual contacts connected to the chucks and slidably engaging said ring.

12. A machine as defined in claim 4 in which said treating circuit means includes a stationary collector ring and individual contacts connected to the chucks and slidably engaging said ring, and means for stopping the machine Whenever 1'? a break occurs in the flow of current through said collector ring.

13. In a machine of the character described, a lower longitudinal can end treating housing, an upper longitudinal can end treating housing disposed above and parallel said lower housing, a supporting rail extending longitudinally through each housing, a, pair of rotary spiral conveyor screws disposed in cooperative relation one at each side of and above the rail in each housing and together effective to convey can ends in vertical spaced relation along said rail, an elevator chain having a, flight passing upwardly between the lower and upper pairs of screws and having mounted thereon in spaced relation swingable can end supporting and elevating lugs efiective to take can ends one by one from the lower screws and elevate them to the upper screws, and means for displacing the chain lugs from their can end supporting and elevating position just as an elevated can end comes into position for being conveyed by the upper screws.

14. A structure as defined in claim 13 in which there is included means for yieldably opposing further upward movement of each can end as it comes into position for being conveyed by the upper screws.

15. A structure as defined in claim 13 in which said displacing means includes a shiftably mounted head portion disposed at the level of the upper rail, and means for shifting said head each time a chain lug comes opposite it to engage and displace said lug and take over the support of the can end previously supported by the displaced lug while the conveying of the can end by the upper screws is being initiated,

16. In a can end immersion treating machine, a rotating turret having a plurality of vertically reciprocable carrier elements disposed in equidistantly spaced relation about the circumference thereof, a can end supporting chuck mounted on the lower end of each carrier element, a horizontally arcuately shaped can end treating bath of electrolyte disposed beneath the traveling chuck-s and conforming in shape to the path of travel of said chucks in said bath, means for feeding can ends individually to said chucks, means for individually holding can ends on said chucks, an actuator element projecting laterally from each carrier element, a stationary grooved cam engaged by all said actuator elements and effective for lowering the carrier elements to immerse held can ends in the bath then hold them lowered throughout a treating interval and. then lift them out of the bath, means for discharging the treated can ends from the chucks, said holding means comprising a, permanent magnet carried by each chuck in position for magnetically attracting and holding thereagainst can ends fed individually to said chucks, said can end feeding means including a supply stack supporting means, means for dropping the can ends one by one from the bottom of the stack, and a transfer rotor having radially projected circumferentially spaced arms providing peripheral pockets therebetween in which the individually fed can ends are moved around into position for being individually picked up by the chucks, the upper trailing edge portion of each transfer rotor arm being recessed and sloped downwardly to provide a can end dropping clearance effective to facilitate movement of the can ends into said peripheral pockets.

17. In a machine of the character described, a can end treating bath of electrolyte, a traveling carrier having provision thereon for individually supporting can ends and for immersing them in the bath for a treating interval and then lifting them out, means for discharging treated can ends individually from the carrier, means for removing surplus treating bath fluid from the discharged can ends, said last named means comprising a longitudinal housing and washing means therein, a, treated and washed can end drying means comprising a longitudinal housing disposed above and in parallel spaced relation to the first mentioned housing and having drying means therein, means for feeding the can ends in vertical spaced relation through the first mentioned housing, means for feeding the can ends in vertical spaced relation and in the opposite direction in the second mentioned housing, and means for elevating the can ends from the first mentioned feeding means to the second mentioned feeding means, each said feeding means including a supporting rail extending longitudinally through the respective housing, and a pair of rotary spiral conveyor screws disposed in cooperative relation one at each side of and above the respective rail and together effective to convey can ends in vertical spaced relation along said rail, said elevating means including an endless conveyor having a vertically disposed elevating flight and can end supporting and elevating lugs aflixed thereon in spaced relation.

PAUL E. PEARSON. ALFRED TREFF.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 492,807 Irish Mar. 7, 1893 704,447 Eastwood July 8, 1902 1,015,863 Werth Jan. 30, 1912 1,139,070 Phelps May 11, 1915 1,210,663 Mace Jan. 2, 1917 1,517,910 Kirschner Dec. 2, 1924 1,525,432 Adam Feb. 10, 1925 1,556,045 Swain Oct. 6, 1925 1,740,582 Farmer Dec. 24, 1929 1,782,614 Hollins Nov. 25, 1930 1,794,487 Schwartz Mar. 3, 1931 1,837,605 Baker Dec. 22, 1931 1,965,399 Wehe July 3, 1934 1,985,697 Stecher Dec. 25, 1934 1,998,093 Oslund Apr. 16, 1935 2,007,981 Nordquist July 16, 1935 2,085,339 Smith June 29, 1937 2,138,938 Plensler Dec. 6, 1938 2,148,552 Hannon Feb. 28, 1939 2,228,672 Olson Jan. 14, 1941 2,254,290 Joa Sept. 2, 1941 2,273,689 Boron Feb, 17, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 533,594 France Mar, 6, 1922 

